LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Tennessee
My areas of special clinical interest include working with LGBTQIA+ clients, existential distress, religious trauma and abuse, ethical non-monogamy/non-traditional relationships, couple conflict, sex therapy, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
I am a caring and empathetic person who has a heart for helping people. As a therapist I seek to work collaboratively with clients in establishing treatment goals. My hope is that clients will learn new and healthier ways of living and gain a greater ability to treat both themselves and others with compassion. It takes courage to step into the therapy room, so I work to provide a disarming and open space for clients to share. My curiosity guides me as I get to know people for who they are and I enjoy helping clients learn to think, feel, and act in new, productive ways to become the people they want to be.
My areas of special clinical interest include working with LGBTQIA+ clients, existential distress, religious trauma and abuse, ethical non-monogamy/non-traditional relationships, couple conflict, sex therapy, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
I am a caring and empathetic person who has a heart for helping people. As a therapist I seek to work collaboratively with clients in establishing treatment goals. My hope is that clients will learn new and healthier ways of living and gain a greater ability to treat both themselves and others with compassion. It takes courage to step into the therapy room, so I work to provide a disarming and open space for clients to share. My curiosity guides me as I get to know people for who they are and I enjoy helping clients learn to think, feel, and act in new, productive ways to become the people they want to be.
Charles B Cobble
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BCD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hermitage, TN 37076 (Online Only)
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2016 and have worked with diverse populations, including active duty military, veterans in transition, & the LGBTQ+ community.
I’m glad to see you are considering therapy to overcome your challenges. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, stress, or another other issue, I can help you find relief and overcome obstacles on your path to success. I’m compassionate and supportive. Our conversation is confidential in the comfort of your own home.
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2016 and have worked with diverse populations, including active duty military, veterans in transition, & the LGBTQ+ community.
I’m glad to see you are considering therapy to overcome your challenges. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, stress, or another other issue, I can help you find relief and overcome obstacles on your path to success. I’m compassionate and supportive. Our conversation is confidential in the comfort of your own home.
Hayden Chaple
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37923
Proud LGBTQIA+ Self-identified Community Member.
Life often presents us with challenges that outdo our ability to effectively cope. In such moments, seeking support becomes essential. Whether you're seeking assistance in navigating through life transitions, family/friend/academic/career stressors, major life decisions, overcoming trauma, or dealing with other distressing experiences, I'm here to lend a helping hand. If you find yourself battling daily depression or anxiety, grief, or feeling completely overwhelmed to the point where functioning seems near impossible, I seek to offer my support, compassion, and guidance. Together, let's work towards the positive future you deserve.
Proud LGBTQIA+ Self-identified Community Member.
Life often presents us with challenges that outdo our ability to effectively cope. In such moments, seeking support becomes essential. Whether you're seeking assistance in navigating through life transitions, family/friend/academic/career stressors, major life decisions, overcoming trauma, or dealing with other distressing experiences, I'm here to lend a helping hand. If you find yourself battling daily depression or anxiety, grief, or feeling completely overwhelmed to the point where functioning seems near impossible, I seek to offer my support, compassion, and guidance. Together, let's work towards the positive future you deserve.
Rebecca Delaney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923 (Online Only)
I have experience helping individuals living with substance misuse, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ specific issues, negative self-esteem, stress, and life transitions.
Do you feel like you are in a rut? Are you struggling to overcome a habit? Do you want to make improvements but do not know where to start? Are you struggling with negative thoughts about yourself? I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping people overcome barriers and achieve goals that are important to them! I provide telehealth therapy for those in the state of TN. I strive to provide a safe and accepting environment for you to overcome barriers and achieve goals that are important to you.
I have experience helping individuals living with substance misuse, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ specific issues, negative self-esteem, stress, and life transitions.
Do you feel like you are in a rut? Are you struggling to overcome a habit? Do you want to make improvements but do not know where to start? Are you struggling with negative thoughts about yourself? I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping people overcome barriers and achieve goals that are important to them! I provide telehealth therapy for those in the state of TN. I strive to provide a safe and accepting environment for you to overcome barriers and achieve goals that are important to you.
I enjoy working with LGBTQ+ populations, neurodivergent individuals, and people who enjoy the nerdy aspects of life.
Have you felt like expressing yourself is difficult? Do you feel like no matter how hard you try, you just cant find the words to get at what is going on at your core? Art therapy sessions tap into that creative space in between words and expression and help unearth more than words alone could. I use a mix of regular talk therapy and art therapy sessions to help dig through personal identity and the parts of ourselves that are hard to describe to others and allow those parts to shine through. You do not have to be an artist to be seen in these sessions, just the willingness to embrace creativity!
I enjoy working with LGBTQ+ populations, neurodivergent individuals, and people who enjoy the nerdy aspects of life.
Have you felt like expressing yourself is difficult? Do you feel like no matter how hard you try, you just cant find the words to get at what is going on at your core? Art therapy sessions tap into that creative space in between words and expression and help unearth more than words alone could. I use a mix of regular talk therapy and art therapy sessions to help dig through personal identity and the parts of ourselves that are hard to describe to others and allow those parts to shine through. You do not have to be an artist to be seen in these sessions, just the willingness to embrace creativity!
While I am a generalist, I have expertise in working with college students as well as folks from the queer and trans community.
I have been a licensed psychologist for more than a decade. I offer individual therapy (via telehealth only) to treat a wide range of concerns. If you are located in Tennessee, North Carolina, or Georgia, contact me for a free consultation.
While I am a generalist, I have expertise in working with college students as well as folks from the queer and trans community.
I have been a licensed psychologist for more than a decade. I offer individual therapy (via telehealth only) to treat a wide range of concerns. If you are located in Tennessee, North Carolina, or Georgia, contact me for a free consultation.
Hanna Marino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, AAMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cleveland, TN 37311
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! I am so glad you're here! I work with LGBTQ+, Couples, Individuals & Families through a variety of life hardships. If you’re dealing with Trauma/PTSD, religious trauma, spirituality issues, communication, life transitions, conflict, sexual concerns, sexuality, anxiety, anger, teenage struggles, self-esteem/identity, or any other issues, you deserve a safe space to process through them. When you come to my office you will not simply get a trained professional, but a human who feels deeply with other humans. "Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be another human soul". - Carl Jung.
Hello! I am so glad you're here! I work with LGBTQ+, Couples, Individuals & Families through a variety of life hardships. If you’re dealing with Trauma/PTSD, religious trauma, spirituality issues, communication, life transitions, conflict, sexual concerns, sexuality, anxiety, anger, teenage struggles, self-esteem/identity, or any other issues, you deserve a safe space to process through them. When you come to my office you will not simply get a trained professional, but a human who feels deeply with other humans. "Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be another human soul". - Carl Jung.
Whether you are experiencing the impacts of trauma, or are wanting to learn how to better navigate the world as a queer or neurodivergent person, we can work towards tangible change in your life.
I believe we all have the innate capacity for healing and it is not something you need to do alone. As a non-binary autistic therapist, I specialize in working with late identified autistics and ADHDers along with queer/ trans people of all ages. I am affirming of all neurodivergence, including experiences beyond ADHD and Autism like OCD, plurality, and BPD. I also often work with non-monogamous and polyamorous people and take a sex positive approach to therapy. Reaching out for support can be hard and you deserve to feel seen, valued, and understood in who you are and your story.
Whether you are experiencing the impacts of trauma, or are wanting to learn how to better navigate the world as a queer or neurodivergent person, we can work towards tangible change in your life.
I believe we all have the innate capacity for healing and it is not something you need to do alone. As a non-binary autistic therapist, I specialize in working with late identified autistics and ADHDers along with queer/ trans people of all ages. I am affirming of all neurodivergence, including experiences beyond ADHD and Autism like OCD, plurality, and BPD. I also often work with non-monogamous and polyamorous people and take a sex positive approach to therapy. Reaching out for support can be hard and you deserve to feel seen, valued, and understood in who you are and your story.
Taylor Renwick
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW, MSSW, BSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
My special interests include pleasure mentoring, kink, ethical non-monogamy, polyamorous relationships, trans and non-binary care, religious trauma, anti-racism, and vicarious trauma.
I know how vital a welcoming, compassionate environment is to your safety, genuine growth, and wellbeing. I'm so excited to stand alongside you as we begin that journey! You may be trans or nonbinary, ethically nonmonogamous, polyamorous, queer, gay, questioning, in the kink community, or marginalized by society in other ways. Regardless, you deserve to feel seen, heard, and accepted as we work through whatever may be present in your life.
My special interests include pleasure mentoring, kink, ethical non-monogamy, polyamorous relationships, trans and non-binary care, religious trauma, anti-racism, and vicarious trauma.
I know how vital a welcoming, compassionate environment is to your safety, genuine growth, and wellbeing. I'm so excited to stand alongside you as we begin that journey! You may be trans or nonbinary, ethically nonmonogamous, polyamorous, queer, gay, questioning, in the kink community, or marginalized by society in other ways. Regardless, you deserve to feel seen, heard, and accepted as we work through whatever may be present in your life.
I have ample experience working with LGBT populations, and have helped trans adults navigate transitioning, whether medical or social.
With over 10 years of experience in a variety of settings ranging from inpatient to university counseling centers, I feel comfortable discussing a range of issues. My approach is collaborative, non-judgmental, and solutions-focused, and I strive to show respect to my clients by giving my full, undivided attention to your concern. I specialize in client-centered and strengths-based approaches, but adapt to meet the need of my clients. I do believe therapy is meant to be challenging, and will encourage clients to take positive risks outside of session to attempt to improve their situation.
I have ample experience working with LGBT populations, and have helped trans adults navigate transitioning, whether medical or social.
With over 10 years of experience in a variety of settings ranging from inpatient to university counseling centers, I feel comfortable discussing a range of issues. My approach is collaborative, non-judgmental, and solutions-focused, and I strive to show respect to my clients by giving my full, undivided attention to your concern. I specialize in client-centered and strengths-based approaches, but adapt to meet the need of my clients. I do believe therapy is meant to be challenging, and will encourage clients to take positive risks outside of session to attempt to improve their situation.
Yo! I’m Payton, I’m an openly queer + nonbinary human and my pronoun are they/she! I think that humans are the coolest. My philosophy as an Identity Doula + Healing Practitioner takes into consideration that every human and every situation is different, thus unique tools and approaches are required for unique people and things. Sessions with me will go beyond standard talk therapy, as it is my personal and professional opinion that humans often heal with art, movement, visuals, embodiment, activities, and music better than they do with standard talk therapy alone. (Try to think of this as fun and exciting, not scary or awkward!)
Yo! I’m Payton, I’m an openly queer + nonbinary human and my pronoun are they/she! I think that humans are the coolest. My philosophy as an Identity Doula + Healing Practitioner takes into consideration that every human and every situation is different, thus unique tools and approaches are required for unique people and things. Sessions with me will go beyond standard talk therapy, as it is my personal and professional opinion that humans often heal with art, movement, visuals, embodiment, activities, and music better than they do with standard talk therapy alone. (Try to think of this as fun and exciting, not scary or awkward!)
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Stephen Lockridge
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MTS, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brentwood, TN 37027
I particularly like working with those in the LGBTQ+ community dealing with issues of cultural or religious judgment and the potentially resulting shame.
Each of us has our own unique path and challenges to navigate in this life. Many of us struggle to find the freedom to live out our truth and to follow our hearts because we are bound by societal and/or familial conditioning and programming that pressures us to fit into a certain mold that may not align with who we are and what we find to be true. This binding can often show up as anxiety or unhappiness, and many of us have trauma that continues to live in our bodies influencing the ways in which we react to what we encounter in life. We can work together to understand and alleviate what is keeping you from being more free.
I particularly like working with those in the LGBTQ+ community dealing with issues of cultural or religious judgment and the potentially resulting shame.
Each of us has our own unique path and challenges to navigate in this life. Many of us struggle to find the freedom to live out our truth and to follow our hearts because we are bound by societal and/or familial conditioning and programming that pressures us to fit into a certain mold that may not align with who we are and what we find to be true. This binding can often show up as anxiety or unhappiness, and many of us have trauma that continues to live in our bodies influencing the ways in which we react to what we encounter in life. We can work together to understand and alleviate what is keeping you from being more free.
Hi! I'm Kevin- your mindful therapist for the LGBTQIA+ community, trauma survivors, and those battling the twists and turns of anxiety and depression. I think of therapy like gardening. Taming the overgrowth of ignored emotions, tending to the roots of your experiences, and pruning away what no longer serves you. I am here to support you as you hone your green thumb for personal growth. It takes work and sometimes is uncomfortable. But thankfully discomfort leads to growth. Together, we'll meet that discomfort in a different way to cultivate an inner landscape where you can flourish.
Hi! I'm Kevin- your mindful therapist for the LGBTQIA+ community, trauma survivors, and those battling the twists and turns of anxiety and depression. I think of therapy like gardening. Taming the overgrowth of ignored emotions, tending to the roots of your experiences, and pruning away what no longer serves you. I am here to support you as you hone your green thumb for personal growth. It takes work and sometimes is uncomfortable. But thankfully discomfort leads to growth. Together, we'll meet that discomfort in a different way to cultivate an inner landscape where you can flourish.
OTHER SPECIALTIES: LGBTQ Affirmative Counseling, exploring Spirituality vs.
As an artist, I understand the life-long vitality of artistic growth, & the importance of creativity to one’s perception of the world. As a professional counselor, I treat issues unique to artists, performers and other creative individuals. I encourage my clients to work with the highs/lows of the creative process, integrate them, and channel them appropriately through their art. Let’s explore ways to balance intense periods of creative work with healthy self-care and self-compassion. See more on my website on ways I can support you on your artist’s journey.
OTHER SPECIALTIES: LGBTQ Affirmative Counseling, exploring Spirituality vs.
As an artist, I understand the life-long vitality of artistic growth, & the importance of creativity to one’s perception of the world. As a professional counselor, I treat issues unique to artists, performers and other creative individuals. I encourage my clients to work with the highs/lows of the creative process, integrate them, and channel them appropriately through their art. Let’s explore ways to balance intense periods of creative work with healthy self-care and self-compassion. See more on my website on ways I can support you on your artist’s journey.
I am passionate about working with queer folks in the South - individuals, couples, and parents of LGBTQIA+ persons.
As a therapist, I strive to create an environment for my clients that fosters acceptance and connection in a way that best supports their healing and their journey. It is one of the greatest honors of my life to walk beside my clients through sorrow, anxiety, joy – all the experiences inherent in being human. I seek to aid clients in recognizing their own strengths as well as assist them in developing new coping skills to meet life’s challenges. As a therapist, I aim to greet every client, every session with non-judgment, radical acceptance, and a genuine interest in their wellbeing.
I am passionate about working with queer folks in the South - individuals, couples, and parents of LGBTQIA+ persons.
As a therapist, I strive to create an environment for my clients that fosters acceptance and connection in a way that best supports their healing and their journey. It is one of the greatest honors of my life to walk beside my clients through sorrow, anxiety, joy – all the experiences inherent in being human. I seek to aid clients in recognizing their own strengths as well as assist them in developing new coping skills to meet life’s challenges. As a therapist, I aim to greet every client, every session with non-judgment, radical acceptance, and a genuine interest in their wellbeing.
I specialize in individual counseling for those struggling with anxiety, relationship, work, and school stress, negative thoughts, mood disorders, and LGBTQ+ concerns including gender and sexual identity. My goal is to make the therapeutic process as stress-free as possible for my clients by providing an open, welcoming environment where you can express yourself freely while we work together to meet your needs.
I specialize in individual counseling for those struggling with anxiety, relationship, work, and school stress, negative thoughts, mood disorders, and LGBTQ+ concerns including gender and sexual identity. My goal is to make the therapeutic process as stress-free as possible for my clients by providing an open, welcoming environment where you can express yourself freely while we work together to meet your needs.
We are a Queer-owned, LGBTQ+, QBIPOC, body positive, kink positive, ENM/Poly safe & affirming practice. Shannon has almost 20 years experience in trauma & LGBTQ+ mental health for all ages, family dynamics, & religious structures, is a Certified Emergency Responder & Public Safety Clinician for Queer LEOs, EMS, 911 Operators, Fire Fighters & Vets. Eden is especially focused on addressing trauma, queer mental health for teens, adults & families, and is kink positive. Laila specializes in working with women, mothers & postpartum issues.
We are a Queer-owned, LGBTQ+, QBIPOC, body positive, kink positive, ENM/Poly safe & affirming practice. Shannon has almost 20 years experience in trauma & LGBTQ+ mental health for all ages, family dynamics, & religious structures, is a Certified Emergency Responder & Public Safety Clinician for Queer LEOs, EMS, 911 Operators, Fire Fighters & Vets. Eden is especially focused on addressing trauma, queer mental health for teens, adults & families, and is kink positive. Laila specializes in working with women, mothers & postpartum issues.
Ashton Anselmo
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC, MHSP, Temp
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37206 (Online Only)
My ideal client wants to be their whole self in therapy and feel free to cry, laugh, curse, or even quote TikTok in sessions. I am typically sought out by progressive clients in need of a therapist who values authenticity, cultural humility, and social justice. My clients usually have multiple historically exploited identities ( LGBTQ+, POC, women, etc.) and are often fellow healers, helpers, teachers, students, and artists. I frequently work with non-monogamous clients and neuro-divergent clients due to my knowledge and lived experience. I enjoy helping make evidence based approaches more accessible to a diverse range of clients.
My ideal client wants to be their whole self in therapy and feel free to cry, laugh, curse, or even quote TikTok in sessions. I am typically sought out by progressive clients in need of a therapist who values authenticity, cultural humility, and social justice. My clients usually have multiple historically exploited identities ( LGBTQ+, POC, women, etc.) and are often fellow healers, helpers, teachers, students, and artists. I frequently work with non-monogamous clients and neuro-divergent clients due to my knowledge and lived experience. I enjoy helping make evidence based approaches more accessible to a diverse range of clients.
Colleen O’Connell
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
I have several years of experience counseling children and young adults from a variety of backgrounds, and have focused my work with clients in the LGBTQ+ community, in both exploring their identity and handling life stressors unrelated to their identity.
I help guide children, teens, and adults towards a mentally and emotionally healthy life, where they have the tools to pursue their best selves. Life often throws the unexpected at us, and we need someone to help us through life stressors, family conflicts, exploring our identity, and finding goals and direction in life.
I have several years of experience counseling children and young adults from a variety of backgrounds, and have focused my work with clients in the LGBTQ+ community, in both exploring their identity and handling life stressors unrelated to their identity.
I help guide children, teens, and adults towards a mentally and emotionally healthy life, where they have the tools to pursue their best selves. Life often throws the unexpected at us, and we need someone to help us through life stressors, family conflicts, exploring our identity, and finding goals and direction in life.
Logan Mahan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37919
Waitlist for new clients
I work with men dealing with addiction, trauma, LGBTQ+ identity concerns, grief from fractured relationships, confusion around sex and intimacy, and anxiety and existential confusion about their faith & sexuality.
Visit my website for real-time availability and to request an appointment. Maybe you can’t do this anymore. You’re stronger than most have ever had to be, but inside you swing between anger and helpless shame, if you let yourself feel anything at all. You keep doing it over and over again—maybe drinking, drugs, sex, rage, self-harm—and you hate it...but on the other hand, hasn't it been more reliable than anything or anyone else? You ask into that inner darkness, "Why am I like this?" But all you get in reply is a desperation to leave it all behind, and then a familiar fear: maybe this is all I deserve or am ever going to get.
I work with men dealing with addiction, trauma, LGBTQ+ identity concerns, grief from fractured relationships, confusion around sex and intimacy, and anxiety and existential confusion about their faith & sexuality.
Visit my website for real-time availability and to request an appointment. Maybe you can’t do this anymore. You’re stronger than most have ever had to be, but inside you swing between anger and helpless shame, if you let yourself feel anything at all. You keep doing it over and over again—maybe drinking, drugs, sex, rage, self-harm—and you hate it...but on the other hand, hasn't it been more reliable than anything or anyone else? You ask into that inner darkness, "Why am I like this?" But all you get in reply is a desperation to leave it all behind, and then a familiar fear: maybe this is all I deserve or am ever going to get.
See more therapy options for Tennessee
LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.